17 July 2008

Expanding the procurement team, reducing the cost of projects and helping suppliers work more collaboratively are the three main goals of Tesco's new corporate purchasing director of property.

Faiza Rasheed, previously head of supply chain at BAA, took up the role at the retailer in May and controls around £1.5 billion of spend, covering the construction of new stores, maintenance and refurbishment of the company's 2100 current stores, and buying goods for them, including trolleys and freezers. She will also take responsibility for the group's three-year £250 million capital investment in new distribution centres, and £200 million investment in facilities that generate renewable energy.

Rasheed told SM she initially wants to recruit four new buyers, including one role reporting to her with responsibility for construction procurement, and other roles looking at areas such as ground works and equipment purchasing.

She intends to encourage key suppliers to work more closely, not only with Tesco, but also with each other.

SMjul2008